2023 Acura Integra vs 2023 Dodge Charger

The 2023 Acura Integra aimed to epitomize a cohesive design language recognizable across various Acura models. Metric by metric, the Integra did just that, fitting seamlessly alongside the larger TLX sedan as well as the RDX and MDX crossovers. Its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlight design, and sharply creased lines were characteristic of Acura’s modern design ethos. Replacing the ILX compact sedan, the Integra stepped in as a more contemporary and versatile option, given sedans' waning popularity and Acura’s limited lineup.

The Integra differentiated itself from the ILX with its five-door liftback design, a significant shift from traditional four-door sedan styling. This design element evoked memories of the third-generation Integra, which was phased out in 2001. Emblems embossed at the corners of the car, a wide track, and a long wheelbase lent the Integra a planted, solid look despite its compact proportions.

Available in three trims—base, A-Spec, and A-Spec with Technology—the Integra catered to various tastes and preferences. The base model rode on 17-inch alloy wheels, while the A-Spec trim upgraded to 18-inch Shark Gray wheels, all paired with performance all-season tires. The rear of the car was adorned with a decklid spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and prominent taillights, further enhancing its sporty appeal.

Inside, the Integra borrowed elements from the Honda Civic but retained enough unique touches to maintain its premium feel. Physical controls for the HVAC system boasted knurled metal finishes and offered satisfying tactile feedback. A 9-inch color touchscreen sat atop the dash in higher trims, and the steering wheel was sleek and comfortable. Excellent forward visibility contrasted with the less favorable rear visibility.

Interior materials included microsuede upholstery in higher trims, effective for holding occupants in place but less breathable in hot weather. While the interior lacked the bespoke refinement found in German luxury competitors, it was well-assembled and modern.

The 2023 Dodge Charger carried forward a design largely unchanged from its 2015 iteration, which had introduced a sleeker nose and LED taillights. Despite its dated underpinnings, originating from the 2006 Charger with Mercedes-Benz E-Class heritage, the Charger maintained a distinctive and modern look. It stood out in a crowd, styled in vibrant colors like Plum Crazy, and looked considerably fresh compared to rivals like the Accord, Altima, and Camry, despite their more frequent redesigns.

Base models of the Charger appeared somewhat plain with smaller tires, but the V8 variants transformed its demeanor significantly. Our R/T Scatpack Swinger, equipped with widebody flair, featured flared fenders to house 305-mm-wide tires on 20-inch wheels. Its aggressive hood scoop, numerous air intakes, and impressive stance highlighted its bold design ethos. The design was further accentuated by exaggerated front doors, smaller rear doors, and a matte black decklid spoiler with looped full-width taillights, invoking racetrack aesthetics.

The interior, unchanged since 2011, felt its age, with analog gauges and a small touchscreen. Plasticky controls and switches detracted from a sense of luxury, though Nappa leather and Alcantara seats with unique green stitching provided some refinement. The Swinger badge, contrasting colors, and design, however, couldn’t fully modernize the retro feel of the cabin.

Acura introduced a turbocharged engine to the Integra lineup for the first time in 2023. The 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, though small, delivered lively performance. The top-level A-Spec with Technology trim optionally paired with a six-speed manual transmission, while lower trims came with a CVT. Our manual-equipped test car also featured a limited-slip differential.

Rev hang issues from previous Honda Civics were alleviated in this model, allowing for seamless gear changes. The manual transmission included automatic rev-matching, which could be disabled but typically made downshifting smoother and faster. Additional features like automatic stop/start and brake hold added convenience to the driving experience.

The Integra's 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produced 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, shared with the Honda Civic Si, offering a satisfying power range. Its front-wheel-drive configuration did not limit its handling, thanks to a variable-ratio electric power-steering system that adjusted assist based on steering angle. Three driving modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowed for adaptive suspension settings and steering weight adjustments, especially in Sport mode.

The Charger lineup began with a largely unheralded V6 engine, a 3.6-liter Pentastar, delivering 292 to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. Despite its availability with AWD, the system was somewhat sluggish. The strength lay in the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, praised for smoothness and efficiency, capable of delivering up to 30 mpg on the highway.

More thrilling was the suite of V8 engines. The 5.7-liter Hemi produced 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, with cylinder deactivation technology enhancing highway fuel efficiency. The 6.4-liter V8 in the Scatpack offered a robust 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet, delivering exhilarating performance and an engaging exhaust note without destabilizing traction.

At the extreme, Hellcat variants featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The standard Hellcat produced 717 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, while the Redeye Jailbreak model pushed this to 807 horsepower and 707 pound-feet. This power required skillful handling due to frequent traction loss even with control systems engaged.

Despite its bulk, the Charger was agile, boasted impressive front-end grip, minimized roll, and offered adjustable steering efforts. The large brake setup, especially with Brembos on high-performance trims, ensured excellent stopping power.

The liftback design of the Acura Integra maximized practicality, although at the cost of ease for shorter individuals or those handling heavy luggage. The cargo area offered 24.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, sufficient for substantial loads, though the high lift-over height posed challenges for heavier items.

Inside, the layout was optimized for comfort and accessibility. The front seats featured a logical dashboard, convenient cupholders, a front tray for small items, and a sizeable center console. Rear passengers enjoyed decent legroom unless exceptionally tall and might find headroom restrictive due to the sloping roofline. Despite these constraints, the rear seat cushions were notably comfortable.

Contrasting its exterior bulk, the Charger’s interior was somewhat confined. Headroom was adequate for individuals up to 5-foot-11, but cramped footwells and a prominent transmission tunnel reduced rear seat legroom. Rear headroom also left something to be desired. The trunk volume was a notable 16.5 cubic feet, providing ample space for cargo.

The Charger’s controls remained user-friendly and physical, a boon in an age of touchscreen domination. Essential controls for climate, lighting, and audio were easily accessible, while integrated touchscreen features remained intuitive. The layout was familiar and minimized distractions.

Standard tech features in the Integra included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a USB-A port. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster added a modern touch. Higher trims offered a raft of additional technologies. The 7-inch base touchscreen upgraded to 9 inches with the Technology package, and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto enhanced connectivity convenience, paired with a wireless charging pad.

Additional front ports (USB-C) and rear USB-A ports expanded device compatibility. The ELS Studio 3D audio system in top trims delivered superior sound quality, far surpassing the base 8-speaker setup.

The Charger’s infotainment system, a bit dated compared to rivals, operated via an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Despite its smaller size, it excelled with responsive and intuitive menus. Features included wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition. Performance Pages and the SRT Dashboard app allowed for extensive customization and performance monitoring.

These tools enabled adjustments to driving parameters and provided real-time performance data, essential for enthusiasts. Such advanced customization, especially for the Hellcat models with unique cooling and post-shutdown stabilization features, underscored the Charger’s focus on performance technology.

Acura set a high bar for safety across all Integra trims, providing a comprehensive suite of ADAS as standard. Features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, rear-seat reminders, hill-start assist, and automatic brake hold.

Even with a manual transmission, these systems were effectively integrated, unlike some competitors. Top trims added low-speed braking control, parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers. NHTSA awarded the Integra five out of five stars overall in crash tests, though IIHS ratings were not available at the time.

The Charger, despite its age, performed well in NHTSA crash tests with an overall rating of four out of five stars. Front and rear crash tests received mixed ratings, with the rear side tests scoring highest. IIHS scores, based on the 2015 Chrysler 300, also reflected good safety credentials but were outdated.

Standard safety features were minimal, including only rear parking sensors and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring for specific trims.